September 4, 2025 — A major new study published in Neurology suggests that frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners may be associated with significantly faster declines in memory and thinking skills, particularly among middle-aged adults.
A Comprehensive Eight-Year Study
Researchers followed more than 12,000 Brazilian adults, averaging 52 years old, over the course of eight years. Participants were grouped based on their daily intake of artificial sweeteners. Those in the high-consumption group, averaging about 191 milligrams per day—the equivalent of a single can of diet soda—experienced a 62% faster decline in cognitive performance, equal to an additional 1.6 years of brain aging. Moderate users showed a 35% faster decline, roughly 1.3 years of accelerated aging compared to low consumers.
Which Sweeteners Were Linked?
The study highlighted six sweeteners tied to cognitive decline: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Interestingly, tagatose, a naturally occurring sugar alternative, showed no connection to mental decline.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The effects were most pronounced among adults under 60 and those with diabetes. Younger participants in particular showed sharper declines in verbal fluency and general cognitive performance, suggesting that midlife may be a critical window for brain health.
Possible Explanations
Scientists believe artificial sweeteners may disrupt the gut–brain axis, fuel inflammation, or interfere with how the brain processes energy. Certain sugar alcohols have also been shown to affect vascular and neural health, which could help explain the observed outcomes.
What This Means for Consumers
Though the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers caution against heavy use of artificial sweeteners, especially for those in midlife. Practical steps to protect cognitive health include:
- Limiting artificial sweetener intake
- Choosing natural alternatives such as stevia, monk fruit, or small amounts of honey and maple syrup
- Supporting overall brain health with a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management
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